Completed the NRA hunter safety course; my first impressions

[Heir Kommt Die Sonne]

I've never gone hunting before, have had family that hunt but plans have never been made. Finally today I found the NRA hunter safety course that they tailor for each state. It's several hours long and I spent most of today doing it. Very grueling course, especially the gun safety and handling part: very boring because most of it I already know or it's very squeaky safe information (like Putting your rifle on safety before disassembly, which only works on modern guns) although this is not to say I didn't take it seriously, I am very glad that a big chunk of the course is about this stuff. As a result, firearm related hunting injuries are very low now as a result of these programs. Also made me realize just how effective hunting is as a form of conservation. I knew it already was, but didn't realize how almost necessary it is to curb biological surpluses from damaging the habitants.

After all of that and learning those things, it has given me a few different impressions of hunting that I never felt before. One is a different perspective of the NRA. Although politically a lot of us are indifferent to their style of activism (or seeming lack of actual activism) I have never experienced their gun safety/hunting training side of the organization. Seeing all the instructors who are involved in the organization and are dedicating their time and lives to teaching people firearms safety and how to properly hunt and preserve our land I have alot of respect for those people. I wish the NRA was more like this, more often. Because we need this.

With the amount of regulation modern hunting has and that I had to review before being given the certificate, it does raise some questions within. On one hand, I heavily respect the amount of respect we put towards this sport and towards wildlife. I have nothing but respect for all the instructors shown and all the laws that have been made protecting wildlife. On the other, it has greatly discouraged recent generations from even getting into hunting, myself included making it an experience I feel I've been robbed of my whole life. The amount of hours I've had to sit through the course felt very exhausting and if I have to do that again for each state it's going to be stressful.

The most profound impression however is this is so far the closest i've been to actually be going on a hunting trip. I took the class today because Dove season starts tomorrow in Texas and I wanted to grind that to be just in time. A non-resident license would be too cost prohibitive for me right now so no hunting trip anytime soon. Nonetheless I have felt a part of what it feels like to see hunting in a serious way. I have felt it and it just feels like a very , human thing to do. This is one of the few times i've ever found a new experience that It feels like even if I get old doing this, I'll still end up feeling just as alive doing it as it is right now. Again the hunting trip is not going to happen soon but this is the closest I've ever been to a hunting trip. With my interest in biology and Earth history, it really makes me feel so appreciative of this. It feels so deep, it's not something every creature has gotten to experience; Every creature gets to reproduce but not every creature gets to hunt. It still feel weird actually killing an animal, then witnessing it be torn apart. That is something even watching videos feels very solemn. But I see it as this is how we respect nature, by taking what it's produced too much of and returning back what it lacks too little of. Humanity started out running with spears to chase game because as mortal men, we're a product of nature and sometimes we need to return to nature to recharge our souls.
Maybe this is too deep for some but this is my impressions after taking my first course about hunting and coming really close to going on a hunting trip.

 

[earlthegoat2]

The amount of hours I've had to sit through the course felt very exhausting and if I have to do that again for each state it's going to be stressful

Most states honor another state‘s hunter safety/education certification. I think it may be 100% even but I am not 100% sure on that It is a good chance as long as it is IHEA-USA approved.

Also, the hunter safety/education requirements vary by state and/or hunting location.

Congratulations on completing the course and I wish you well on your hunting journey.

 

[jmr40]

I've been a hunter safety instructor since 1986 although I haven't been active in years. I don't know how the NRA or Texas does things, but the course I taught is no more than 6 hours. We used to do 3 nights of 2 hours each. And they have been doing most of the class on-line for years. They schedule dates for people to just show up and take the test.

 

[jmorris]

I am glad you got something out of it. Sorry our State forced it upon you.

FWIW I was for it in the ’70’s and completely against it in ‘88 when they made it a requirement for those born after ‘71. Old people allowed to be dangerous or is it only for young idiots?

If it’s that important, it should be taught as a mandatory course for everyone in grade school and free (well not free because we send in many thousands to the local school district every year).

Just another way to keep people that (for now) are allowed to own and use those dangerous things without taking classes, from using them for something they were built for, unless they take a class.

FWIW you don’t even need to take a road test to get a drivers license here unless your under 18. Talk about something that should require a class…Oh, but they are not trying to restrict driving...

 

[buck460XVR]

With the amount of regulation modern hunting has and that I had to review before being given the certificate, it does raise some questions within. On one hand, I heavily respect the amount of respect we put towards this sport and towards wildlife. I have nothing but respect for all the instructors shown and all the laws that have been made protecting wildlife. On the other, it has greatly discouraged recent generations from even getting into hunting, myself included making it an experience I feel I've been robbed of my whole life. The amount of hours I've had to sit through the course felt very exhausting and if I have to do that again for each state it's going to be stressful.

Like with Driver's licenses, most states recognize the safety certificates from other states. Yet, it is always advised to review the game laws in a new state you are hunting because odds are, some laws and regulations will be different than your home state. I have never heard of someone not getting into hunting because of game laws. Around here, the biggest reason refrain from getting into hunting or quit hunting, is access to good hunting land.

 

[bearcreek]

The amount of hours I've had to sit through the course felt very exhausting and if I have to do that again for each state it's going to be stressful.

That part at least you can rest easy about. Once you've got a license in one state, you can use that to prove you've met the education requirements in another state. There are a few minor exceptions (needing to watch a video on goat sexing to hunt them in Alaska, for example) by that's generally how it works.

 

[Heir Kommt Die Sonne]

I am glad you got something out of it. Sorry our State forced it upon you.

No I don't mind it at all, with what the others are telling me it's actually valid for most other states so that is a good thing.
I did learn quite a few new things, such as the importance in identifying sexes and the risk of misidentifying an animal.
One part that was quite funny was when they were talking about how to transport an animal; mentioned in the back of a pick-up truck or SUV is best. Mentioned how "in older generations strapping your game on top of your car was a point of pride, but this isn't advised if you don't have to do this"
Reminds me of that Yogi cartoon.

 

[bihj]

You list your location as Texas (I assume it is your residence), but I don't understand why you can't get a resident license.
Please enlighten me. Unless you still have an out of state drivers license, you shouldn't have a problem.

 

[Heir Kommt Die Sonne]

Unless you still have an out of state drivers license,

I still do. I only/mainly stay here for the summer, but in the winter months and early year I'm in Utah. That's where I vote so thats why I keep the Utah license.

 

[rust collector]

Imagine having to go through the class multiple times per year, over more than 40 years! I have never regretted a moment spent teaching the class (with the rest of my team), but must agree that it is one of many things that challenge new hunters. In South Dakota, the class is mandatory only for those who wish to obtain a hunting license before age 16. Our hunter safety cards are accepted by Colorado and, I suspect, most other states. We are members of International Hunter Education Association, as our game & fish people made the decision years ago to move away from the NRA course to help take politics and emotions out of the picture.

We are seeing lower numbers in the classroom setting, but more females in the class and the internet course is becoming increasingly popular. Every student is tested manually, however, and attends a hands-on field day which requires that they demonstrate safe handling, not accuracy. It is also a great opportunity to answer questions and provide further resources for those interested.

Access will be the primary challenge for most young hunters. Bird, big game and even prairie dog hunts became expensive because instead of asking for permission and maybe providing some groceries or helping repair some fences, modern sports wanted to book hunts, get picked up at the airport, be entertained, fed and lodged on the premises and often on the corporate tab. Market forces place higher value on limited resources, and money talks. Still, wild bird hunts are possible with enough time and scouting.

I have never been part of a hunting experience where a successful hunter jumps up, does a few war whoops and high fives, and heads to the shed for a toddy. That's the image we get, however, on many outdoor channels.